Illuminated electric toothbrushes emitting high luminous intensity toothbrush

ABSTRACT

A toothbrush has a handle, a neck attached to the handle, and a head attached to the neck. The head has a bristle holder having a plurality of bristles extending therefrom. The toothbrush further includes a light emitting element disposed in the bristle holder, wherein the light emitting element is capable of providing light having wavelengths between about 390 nm to about 770 nm and having a radiometric power of between about 5 mW/cm 2  to about 200 mW/cm 2 .

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/832,168 filed on Apr. 4, 2004, which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/501,266 filed Sep. 9, 2003, each of which is herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to illuminated electric toothbrushes that utilize a light emitting diode, particularly a light emitting diode that illuminates the brushing area.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Lighted toothbrushes have traditionally been manual brushes having a light disposed on or in the handle of the toothbrush with fiber optics carrying the light from the handle to the head of the toothbrush. However, light that is transmitted by fiber optics often diminishes in luminous intensity and/or flux density as it is transmitted. Therefore, it was desired to have a light disposed in or on the head of the toothbrush such that no fiber optic materials are necessary to transmit the light. Additionally, it was desired to have an electric lighted toothbrush.

In order for a light to be disposed on the head of a toothbrush, especially an electric toothbrush, the size must be minimized to allow sufficient space for bristles, and sufficient space for the mechanics of the electric toothbrush. A standard light emitting diode may be of the proper size; however such a device may not be able to deliver light having sufficient luminous intensity and/or flux density to provide an oral care benefit. A high power non-standard light emitting diode may be able to deliver the desired luminous intensity and/or flux density. However, the high power diodes use a high current level, and thus generate a high level of heat. Generating a high level of heat in the oral cavity can overheat the pulp chamber, which can result in pulpitis or other damage to oral tissues. Accordingly, there is a need for an illuminated electric toothbrush comprising a light emitting diode that emits light having a luminous intensity of at least about 7 candelas and/or flux density of at least about 30 mW/cm² which can safely be used safely in the oral cavity without damaging the teeth and/or other oral surfaces.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In some embodiments, a toothbrush constructed in accordance with the present invention comprises a handle, a neck attached to the handle, and a head attached to the neck. The head has a bristle holder having a plurality of bristles extending therefrom. A light emitting element is disposed in the bristle holder, wherein the light emitting element is capable of providing light having wavelengths between about 390 nm to about 770 nm and having a radiometric power of between about 5 mW/cm² to about 200 mW/cm².

In some embodiments, a method of applying light to the oral cavity comprises the steps of obtaining a toothbrush having a light emitting element. Switching the toothbrush on and applying light having wavelengths of between about 420 nm to about 490 nm and having a radiometric intensity of between about 5 mW/cm² to about 200 mW/cm² to the oral cavity for about 10 seconds to about 10 minutes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangements of parts, embodiments of which will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a light emitting diode.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a light emitting diode having more than one light emitter, and a single optical output.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an illuminated electric toothbrush in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a top planar view of the electric toothbrush of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the electric toothbrush of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the head of the electric toothbrush.

FIG. 6 a is a cross-sectional side view of the head of the electric toothbrush.

FIG. 7 is a partial front elevational view of a head and neck of another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a partial front elevational view of a head and neck of yet another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a partial front elevational view of a head and neck of still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a partial front elevational view of a head and neck of yet another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a partial front elevational view of a head and neck of yet another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a partial front elevational view of a head and neck of still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the illuminated electric toothbrush of the present invention in which the toothbrush includes a head and neck that can be separated from the handle.

FIGS. 14 and 15 are partial side elevational views illustrating installation of a replaceable head and neck onto a handle or body portion of the illuminated electric toothbrush of FIG. 11.

FIG. 16 is a schematic of an electrical configuration suitable for use with the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a graph of the spectral distribution for a variety of colors for light-emitting diodes that are suitable for use with the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a graph of the spectral distribution for a light-emitting diode that emits a white light that is suitable for use with the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a graph illustrating a light radiation pattern suitable for use with the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating the geometry of the void between the light emitting diode and the surface to be exposed to light.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating the test method for measuring average intensity of the light within a particular solid angle.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating the test method for measuring the affect of the illuminating electric toothbrush on the temperature at the surface of the teeth.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

All printed publications, patents, and patent applications referenced herein are incorporated herein by reference. Generally, the present invention relates to an electric toothbrush having one or more light-emitting diodes (“LED”) disposed on or in the head of the electric toothbrush. More specifically, the electric toothbrushes are used in personal hygiene to clean one's teeth and gums using a motorized movement, while the LEDs illuminate the region of brushing, including the teeth and/or gums. Additionally, the LEDs can provide an oral care benefit, such as whitening.

As used herein, the term “light” is intended to encompass the spectrum of both visible and non-visible (e.g., ultraviolet and infra-red) light. There are two systems for measuring light: radiometry and photometry, wherein radiometry is measurement of electromagnetic radiation within the frequency range between 3×10 ¹¹ and 3×10¹⁶ Hz and photometry is the measurement of electromagnetic radiation that is detectable by the human eye. As known in the art, radiometric units include: Energy (Newton meter or joules), Power or Radiant Flux which is the flow of Energy with respect to time (joules/second or watts), Irradiance or Flux Density which is power per unit area (watts/m²), Radiant Intensity which is power per unit solid angle (watts/steradian), and Radiance which is the power per unit projected area per unit solid angle (watts/m²-steradian). Equivalent photometric units include: Power or Luminous Flux (lumen) and Luminous Intensity (lumen/sr or candela). Another characteristics of the light that will be discussed is the viewing or half angle. As described herein the half angle is two times the included angle (in degrees) between the peak and the point on one side of the beam axis at which the luminous intensity is fifty percent of the maximum or half of the beam angle. Yet another characteristic that will be discussed hereafter relates to the amount of heat or Emission Temperature (Celsius) which is generated by an LED at a tooth surface. Additionally, the total electric power consumed by the LED (“power dissipation”) disposed on the head of the illuminated electric toothbrush will be characterized. For simplicity herein, units may be discussed in either radiometric units or photometric units, although radiometric units are preferred. Intensity can be either luminous intensity measured in candelas (or lumens/steradian), or flux density measured in Watts/meter².

All test methods described herein are performed when the illuminated electric toothbrush is operated at the current normally drawn to operate the device when the brush is fully charged and turned on, the bristles are moving, and the LED is illuminated.

-   Characteristics of the LEDs of the present invention are discussed     more fully below. -   A. Flux Density at a Representative Tooth Surface (“FDRT”)

This test is intended to represent the radiant flux density projected onto a tooth surface in W/m². A detector calibrated in Watts having a detector aperture area of less than about 3.14, 1.77, 1.54, 1.33, 1.23, 1.13, 1.04, 0.95, 0.87, 0.79, 0.70, 0.64, 0.50, and/or 0.46 cm² and/or greater than about 0.28, 0.31, 0.32, 0.33, 0.38, 0.44, 0.46, and/or 0.50 cm² and a detector aperture diameter of at least about 0.60, 0.63, 0.64, 0.70, 0.76, 0.80, 0.90, 0.95, 1.00, 1.05, 1.10, 1.15, and/or 1 cm and/or less than about 2.0, 1.50, 1.40, 1.30, 1.25, 1.20, 1.15, 1.10, 1.00 cm, and the detector aperture has a distance (“detector distance”) of greater than about 0.55, 0.60, 0.63, 0.64, 0.66, 0.68, 0.70, 0.72, 0.74, 0.76, 0.80, 0.85, 0.90 and/or 1.0 cm, and/or less than about 2.0, 1.5, 1.4, 1.3, 1.25, 1.20, 1.15, 1.10, 1.05 and/or 1.0 cm from the light emitting point of the LED. Traditionally, the detector comprises an iris that can provide a detector aperture area of the desired size. The LED should be positioned facing the detector aperture, and the mechanical axis of the LED should pass through the center of this detector aperture. The detector measures radiant flux (Watts) at the detector. The detector measures the radiant flux over the entire detector aperture area. Therefore, the resulting number is a total value of the radiant flux. The FDRT is the total value of the radiant flux divided by the Spherical Area of the cap 1109 (as shown in FIG. 20 which illustrates the geometrical relationship between the LED and the surface to be exposed to light). The spherical area of the cap can be calculated by the following equations: S=2πR(R−l) where: R=√{square root over (l²+d²/4)}

S=spherical area of the cap

l=detector distance

d=diameter of detector aperture area.

FDRT=Total Radiant Flux (Watts)/S

This radiant flux (Watts) is divided by the spherical area of the cap to result in flux density at a representative tooth surface (W/m²). An example of a device suitable for measuring the FDRT includes the OL 730CV Radiometer/Photometer manufactured by Optronic Laboratories, Inc. of Orlando, Fla. As illustrated in FIG. 21 detector distance “l” (as shown at 1200) is the distance between the light emitting point 1205 of LED 1275 and the entrance aperture 1201 of detector 1203. This detector distance “l” (as shown at 1200) is measured from the light emitting point 1205 of the LED 1275 to the plane of the detector aperture 1201 of the detector 1203.

The FDRT of the inventive illuminated electric toothbrush is from at least about 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 70, and/or 100 mW/cm² and/or less than about 300, 250, 200, 150, and/or 100 mW/cm² or any combination of these. It is believed that toothbrushes comprising LEDs that individually emit light at the aforementioned FDRT can result in whitening and other oral care benefits when used in the mouth alone or in combination with other oral care compositions. To achieve these oral care benefits at least one of the LEDs disposed on the head of the toothbrush must emit light having an FDRT of at least about 30 mW/cm². Light having a higher FDRT may also result in whitening or other oral care benefit, however if 300 mW/cm² is exceeded a user may need to take safety measures to prevent damage to the oral cavity.

B. Percent Total Luminous Flux within a Solid Angle

In one embodiment of the LED of the electric toothbrush, at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100% of the total power (watts) of the LED is contained within the solid angle with a vertex in the center of the LED of at least about 0, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.9, 0.95, and/or 1 steradian (“sr”) and/or less than about 6.3, 5.5, 5, 4.5, 4, 3.5, 3, 2.5, 2, 1.5, 1.3, 1.2, 1. 1, and/or 1 sr. The solid angle having a vertex in the light emitting point of the LED can be calculated using the equations below: α=S/R ² =πh/R, where: h=R−α and R=√{square root over (α²+b²/4)}

α=solid angle (sr)

S=spherical area of the cap

a=axial distance

b=diameter of the dimensional area

These calculations are similar to the calculations as used above to calculate the FDRT, and the axial distance and dimensional area have similar values to the detector distance and detector area, however no detector is present in the calculation of the solid angle.

A diagram of the void space within which the LED emits light towards the surface to be exposed to light is shown in FIG. 20. The elements of the equation are depicted in FIG. 20 wherein “α” is the solid angle (shown at 1110) with a vertex (shown at 1111) in the light emitting point 1113 of the LED 1175. “a” (illustrated in FIG. 20 at 1101) is the vertical distance between the emitting surface of the LED and the surface to be exposed to the light emitting from the LED (“axial distance”), “b” (shown at 1103) is the diameter of a circular area comprising the LED, and “S” (shown at 1109) is the spherical area of the cap. “h” (shown at 1105) equals “R” (shown at 1107) minus “a” (shown at 1101). “b” can be at least about 0.60, 0.63, 0.64, 0.65, 0.70, 0.76, 0.80, 0.90, 0.95 and/or 1.00 cm, and/or less than about 2.0, 1.50, 1.40, 1.30, 1.25, 1.20, 1.15, 1.10, 1.05 and/or 1.00 cm. “a” can be greater than about 0.55, 0.60, 0.63, 0.64, 0.66, 0.68, 0.70, 0.72, 0.74, 0.76, 0.80, 0.85, 0.90 and/or 1.00 cm, and/or less than about 2.0, 1.50, 1.40, 1.30, 1.25, 1.20, 1.15, 1.10, 1.05 and/or 1.00 cm.

To determine the percent of power within the solid angle, first, the total power emitted from the LED must be measured, and second, the power within a particular solid angle area must be measured. Finally, the percent power within a particular solid angle is calculated. The total power emitted from the LED can be determined by either the goniophotometer method and/or the integrating sphere method. The goniophotometer method allows for the total radiant flux to be measured in Watts (when the goniophotometer is calibrated in Watts). The rotating detector of the goniophotometer scans the surface of a spherical shaped area surrounding the LED. The partial fluxes d( incident on each element dA of~the surface represent a total radiant flux: E(θ,φ)= dΦ/dA Which can be weighted and integrated to give the value of the total radiant flux Φ, Φ = ∫_((A))E𝕕A

Another method of measuring the total radiant flux from an LED is to use an integrating sphere (calibrated in Watts) to compare the tested LED to a standard LED with a similar spatial and spectral power distribution. If no perfectly matches standard is available, a correction for color can be calculated; however a correction for spatial power differences is more difficult to calculate. Most integrating spheres are no more than 10 cm in diameter. Therefore, an auxiliary LED of the same type should be inserted into the integrating sphere to allow for a correction to be applied for the self-absorption of the test LED. Spheres with two entrance and one exit port for the detector should work. Both of these methods are described in CIE 127 (1997) entitled “Measurement of LEDs”, which is published by the International Commission of Illumination.

Second, the power within a particular solid angle is measured. To choose the solid angle within which the power is measured, the axial distance and diameter of dimensional area for the desired solid angle must be determined using the aforementioned equations. The axial distance value corresponds to the detector distance value, and the diameter of the dimensional area value corresponds to the detector aperture area value. By choosing these values when performing the test, the power within the desired solid angle is measured. If the detector has been calibrated in Watts, this results in total radiant flux within the desired solid angle.

The measurement of total radiant flux (within a particular solid angle) of the LED involves a detector calibrated in Watts having a circular aperture 1201 with an area of less than about 3.14, 1.77, 1.54, 1.33, 1.23, 1.13, 1.04, 0.95, 0.87, 0.79, 0.70, 0.64, 0.50, and/or 0.46 cm² and/or greater than about 0.28, 0.31, 0.32, 0.33, 0.38, 0.44, 0.46, and/or 0.50 cm², and a detector aperture diameter of at least about 0.60, 0.63, 0.64, 0.70, 0.76, 0.80, 0.90, 0.95, 1.00, 1.05, 1.10, 1.15, and/or 1 cm and/or less than about 2.0, 1.50, 1.40, 1.30, 1.25, 1.20, 1.15, 1.10, 1.00 cm.

The LED should be positioned facing the detector aperture 1201 at a detector distance 1200 from the light emitting point 1205 of the LED 1275 of about 0.55, 0.60, 0.63, 0.64, 0.66, 0.68, 0.70, 0.72, 0.74, 0.76, 0.80, 0.85, 0.90 and/or 1.00 cm, and/or less than about 2.0, 1.50, 1.40, 1.30, 1.25, 1.20, 1.15, 1.10, 1.05 and/or 1.00 cm. The mechanical axis of the LED should pass through the center of this detector aperture.

Finally, the percentage of light emitted within the desired solid angle is calculated by the equation: Total Radiant Flux Within the Desired Solid Angle/Total Radiant Flux=% of Light Emitted Within the Desired Solid Angle

-   C. Half Angle and/or Viewing Angle

Another method for determining if a illuminated electric toothbrush emits light having the desired characteristics is to examine the half angle and/or viewing angle of the LED.

As described herein the half angle is two times the included angle (in degrees) between the peak and the point on one side of the beam axis at which the luminous intensity is fifty percent of the maximum or half of the beam angle. This can also be referred to as the viewing angle. The smaller the half angle the more focused the light. The more focused the light emitting from the LED, the less light is needed to achieve the desired luminous intensity and/or FDRT. Having a more focused angle of light results in less light wasted from shining in non-preferred directions, i.e. shining into the bristles areas. If light is shined in non-preferred directions, more light will be required to achieve the desired luminous intensity or FDRT, often resulting in increased heat levels. Increased heat emission from the illuminated electric toothbrush can result in damage to the teeth and tissues in the oral cavity. The half angle ( 2θ 1/2) of the LED can be less than about 50°, 49°, 48°, 47°, 46°, 45°, 44°, 43°, 42°, 41°, 40°, 38°, 36°, 34°, 32°, 30°, and/or 28° and/or greater than about 0° and/or 5°.

-   D. Emission Temperature

Using an LED on the head of a toothbrush, which is then placed into the oral cavity for brushing and/or treating the teeth, may introduce heat as well as light into the oral cavity. The light can be absorbed by the surface of the tooth, thereby generating additional heat at the tooth surface. If heat is generated within the oral cavity, the pulp chamber of the tooth can be increased, which may result in pulpitis or other damage to the oral cavity. To avoid causing damage in the oral cavity, the temperature of the surface of the teeth should remain less than about 43° C., 40° C., 39° C., 38° C., 37° C., 36° C., 34° C., 30° C., and /or 25° C. If the temperature of the surface of the teeth is increased beyond the aforementioned temperatures, the pulp chamber of the tooth may be overheated, thereby resulting in pulpitis. Therefore, the light emitted by the illuminated electric toothbrush should not produce heat that raises the temperature of the surface of the teeth greater than about 43° C., 40° C., 39° C., 38° C., 37° C., 36° C., 34° C., 30° C., and /or 25° C. In one embodiment the temperature of the surface of the teeth is kept below about 43° C. by using a standard LED and providing a continuous forward current less than about 200 milliamps (“mA”) to the standard LED.

The temperature generated at the surface of the teeth resulting from exposure to light emitted from the illuminated electric toothbrush is the “emission temperature.” The emission temperature can be measured by devices known in the art such as a thermo-couple 1315 (as shown in FIG. 22). One thermo-couple suitable for use in the present test method is the SC-GG-T-30-36 thermo-couple manufactured by Omega Engineering, Inc. The thermo-couple can be attached, preferably with adhesive, to the surface of the tooth exposed to light emitting from the LED. Alternatively, the temperature at the surface of the tooth can be measured after exposure to the light, so long as the thermo-couple is touched to the tooth and the temperature reading is completed within a testing time of less than about 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 seconds of terminating exposure of the tooth to the light. One method of measuring temperature after exposure to the light is terminated is by using a standard cotton swab to apply and hold the thermo-couple on the tooth for the duration of the testing time to gather the temperature data. Additionally, a unit 1317 which translates the data from the thermo-couple into temperature in degrees can be used; hand held unit HH5-08 manufactured by Omega Engineering, Inc. is suitable to be used with aforementioned thermo-couple to translate data received from the thermo-couple into temperature in degrees. This testing is performed in vitro on standard extracted human or bovine tooth 1301 samples, within an incubator set at 32° C. The test is performed within a incubator set at 32° C. to replicate the normal base temperature of a tooth placed in the mouth. A suitable incubator for this test is the THELCO 3DG, catalog #51221122 available from the Jouan Group of Companies. The tooth is placed in cast aluminum stand 1319 comprising a piece of cast aluminum with a space removed for placement of the tooth. The cast aluminum stand 1319 connects the tooth 1301 to a heat sink 1321. A heat sink suitable for use in the present test method includes heat sink 11-5602-48 VIS #031608 manufactured by Aavid Thermalloy. A power supply (not shown) can be provided to the heat sink. The “emission distance” is the distance 1303 between the light emitting point 1305 of the LED 1375 and the surface of the tooth 1301. The emission distance 1303 can be less than about 3.14, 1.77, 1.54, 1.33, 1.23, 1.13, 1.04, 0.95, 0.87, 0.79, 0.70, 0.64, 0.50, and/or 0.46 cm and/or greater than about 0.28, 0.31, 0.32, 0.33, 0.38, 0.44, 0.46, and/or 0.50 cm from the surface of the tooth. The light emitting point 1305 of the LED 1375 is placed at an emission distance of less than about 3.14, 1.77, 1.54, 1.33, 1.23, 1.13, 1.04, 0.95, 0.87, 0.79, 0.70, 0.64, 0.50, and/or 0.46 cm and/or greater than about 0.28, 0.31, 0.32, 0.33, 0.38, 0.44, 0.46, and/or 0.50 cm from the surface of the tooth 1301, and the illuminated electric toothbrush 1313 is turned on; thereby operating the LED 1375 and illuminating the surface of the tooth 1301. The tooth 1301 is then exposed to light emitting from the LED 1375 for an emission time of less than about 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, and/or 0 minutes and the temperature of the tooth 1301 is measured by the standard thermo-couple 1315. The thermo-couple can be attached to a separate hand-held unit 1317 to translate the readings from the thermo-couple 1315 into temperature readings. The emission temperature should not exceed about 43° C., 40° C., 39° C., 38° C., 37° C., 36° C., 34° C., 30° C., and /or 25° C.

-   E. Power Dissipation

Additionally, to avoid damage to the oral cavity due to excessive heat generation, the total electric power consumed (“power dissipation”) by the LED disposed on the head of the illuminated electric toothbrush should not exceed about 2, 1.5, 1, 0.95, 0.9, 0.85, 0.8, 0.75, 0.7, 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, 0.1 Watts (“W”).

-   F. Examples of Embodiments of the Invention

Luminous intensity of at least about 7 candelas and/or FDRT of at least about 30 mW/cm² can be achieved in the inventive illuminated electric toothbrush comprising a standard LED by increasing the forward current beyond that recommended by the manufacturer (“overpowering”), including more than one light emitter in the LED, and/or pulsing the light emitted from the LED, or any combination of these. Overpowering of the LED can shorten the life span of the LED. The amount the life span of the LED is shortened depends on the level of current used to overpower the LED and the characteristics of LED. However, this shortened life span will still exceed what is needed for use on a toothbrush, as a toothbrush is a disposable and/or replaceable item. In one embodiment the LED is disposed on a replaceable portion of the toothbrush, and can therefore be replaced if desired.

As used herein, the term “light” is intended to encompass the spectrum of both visible and non-visible (e.g., ultraviolet and infra-red) light. This spectrum may extend from light having a dominant or centroid wavelength of about 10 nm (far ultraviolet) to light having a centroid wavelength of 10⁶ nm (infrared), or the spectrum may include visible light having a centroid wavelength between about 370 nm and about 770 nm. Further, the spectrum may include visible light having a centroid wavelength between about 370 to about 500. As used herein, the term “centroid wavelength” is intended to refer to the wavelength which represents the perceived color of the light. This may be different than the peak wavelength which is the wavelength at which the radiant intensity of the LED is maximum. For LEDs, the dominant or centroid wavelength can be determined by the equations: λ_(c) = ∫_(λ  min )^(λ  max )I(λ) ⋅ λ ⋅ 𝕕l/∫_(λ  min )^(λ  max )I(λ) ⋅ 𝕕λ For continuous spectrums, and $\lambda_{c} = {\sum\limits_{i}{I_{i}{\lambda_{i}/{\sum\limits_{i}I_{i}}}}}$ For discrete spectrums. Wherein I is illumination intensity and A is wavelength.

These equations are further described in CIE 127 (1997) entitled “Measurement of LEDs”, which is published by the International Commission of Illumination. The spectral (e.g., peak wavelength), photometric (e.g., luminous intensity), radiometric (e.g., radiant intensity), and colorimetric (e.g., dominant wavelength) characteristics of the LEDs can be measured using devices known in the art, such as OL 730CV Radiometer/Photometer manufactured by Optronic Laboratories, Inc. of Orlando, Fla. Some light may not have a dominant or centroid wavelength (e.g., white light).

The inventive illuminated electric toothbrush comprises LEDs that emit light having a luminous intensity of at least about 7, 10, 15, 20, 30, and/or 40 and/or less than about 60, 50, 45, and/or 40 Candelas or any combination of these, or a FDRT of at least about 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 70, and/or 100 mW/cm² and/or less than about 300, 250, 200, 150, and/or 100 mW/cm² or any combination of these.

One embodiment of the illuminated electric toothbrush comprises an LED as shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 shows a cross section of LED package 11 comprising a lens 3, a single light emitting dice 5, a wire bonding 7, a positive lead 21 and negative lead 9, and a Longitudinal axis L. Various types of semi-conductor substrates having light emitting properties can be used in LEDs of the claimed invention. One type of semi-conductor substrate having a light emitting property is a dice. A dice is a single semi-conductor substrate having light emitting properties. It is contemplated that the LED disposed on the head of the inventive illuminated electric toothbrush can comprise any type of semi-conductor substrate having light emitting properties, including but not limited to a dice, so long as the illuminated electric toothbrush provides light having the desired properties described herein. The LED can have a diameter of at least about 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and/or 6 mm and/or less than about 5, 10, 15, and/or 20 mm.

Light can emit from many surfaces of the light emitting point of an LED. However, for simplicity hereinafter all measurements of the distance from the light emitting point and/or surface of the LED refer to the front surface of the semi-conductor substrate, such as the front surface of the dice 5. Light emits from a surface of the dice and is directed to the lens 3 of the LED. Therefore, to measure a distance from the light emitting point of a semi-conductor substrate, the front surface of the light emitting element of the semi-conductor substrate must be identified. In one embodiment of the illuminating electric toothbrush the front surface of the light emitting element of the LED is the surface of the dice 5 (as shown in FIG. 1). Therefore, all measurements of distance from this embodiment of a light emitting surface begin with the front surface of dice 5.

Overpowering the LED results in the desired luminous intensity and/or FDRT because, luminous intensity and/or FDRT of a LED increases, within limits, as forward current input increases. Therefore, the luminous intensity and/or FDRT levels desired for the inventive illuminated electric toothbrush can be achieved by increasing the current to a standard LED beyond that recommended by the manufacturer. Increasing the current twice the maximum recommended by the manufacturer will almost double the luminous intensity and/or FDRT, while still resulting in a lifespan of the LED acceptable for use in an illuminated electric toothbrush. A standard driver can be used to deliver the chosen current level to achieve the desired luminous intensity and/or FDRT. A voltage or current driver suitable for use with the present invention is the ZXSC310 Single or Multi Cell LED Driver manufactured by Zetex Semiconductors, Oldham, UK. The minimum current to achieve the desired luminous intensity and/or FDRT can be greater than the maximum current recommended by the manufacturer for continuous operation, two times the maximum recommended by the manufacturer for continuous operation, or three times the maximum recommended by the manufacturer for pulsed operation. At a maximum the current can be increased to the level which causes immediate failure of the LED. One embodiment of the invention comprises a standard LED which delivers the desired luminous intensity and/or FDRT via a continuous forward current greater than about 35 mA, 40 mA, 45 mA, 50 mA, 55 mA, 60 mA, 65 mA, 70 mA, 75 mA, 80 mA, 90 mA, 100 mA, 150 mA and/or 200 mA and/or less than about 700 mA, 600 mA, 500 mA, 400 mA, 300 mA, 250 mA, 200 mA, 150 mA, 100 mA, 90 mA, 80 mA, 75 mA, 70 mA, 65 mA, 60 mA, 55 mA, 50 mA, 45 mA, 40 mA, and/or 35 mA. In one embodiment the minimum continuous current level can be the maximum continuous current rating for continuous operation, and the maximum continuous current level can be about the current causing immediate failure of the LED. Although the luminous intensity and/or FDRT does increase as the current increases, there is a point at which this correlation levels out, and further current increase does not result in luminous intensity and/or FDRT increase. This exact point depends on the properties and design of the LED. Additionally, as time passes and the LED is exposed to currents beyond that recommended by the manufacturer, the luminous intensity and/or FDRT begins to fade. One way of maintaining the desired luminous intensity and/or FDRT includes, but is not limited to, further increasing the current in order to maintain the same luminous intensity and/or FDRT. Although the current is increased to the standard LED to achieve the desired luminous intensity and/or FDRT, the current used is still lower than traditionally used for high power non-standard LEDs. Therefore, the heat generated by the standard LEDs does not increase the temperature of the surface of the teeth above about 43 ° C.

Stabilizing the current of the LED in a standard driver design does partially stabilize the luminous intensity and/or FDRT over time since the current stays the same as the LED decays. However, as the LED decays the current may need to be increased to maintain the same level of luminous intensity and/or FDRT. One way of maintaining constant luminous intensity and/or FDRT as the LED decays is to measure the luminous intensity and/or FDRT emitted from the LED with a built in sensor and adjust the current according to the measured value. Adjusting the current as the LED decays results in an illuminated electric toothbrush which continues to deliver light at the specified luminous intensity and/or FDRT over time. Another way of maintaining approximately the same luminous intensity and/or FDRT without including a built in sensor, is to include a timing circuit which increases the current to the LED over time as the LED decays. This can maintain approximated steady luminous intensity and/or FDRT via a simple design, and with minimal additional expense. A voltage or current driver suitable for use with the present invention is the ZXSC310 Single or Multi Cell LED Driver manufactured by Zetex Semiconductors, Oldham, UK.

FIG. 2 shows a another means for achieving the levels of luminous intensity and/or FDRT in the inventive illuminated electric toothbrush by including more than one light emitter such as multiple dices. This embodiment of the invention has a single light output, the lens 3, and one positive lead 21 and one negative lead 9. However, this single standard LED package contains more than one light emitter and more than one semi-conductor substrate. All light from emitting sources is combined to result in a single light output at lens 3 of LED package 15. The single LED package 15 has multiple light emitting dices 5 and 17 and a wire bonding 7. These dices can be electrically connected in parallel or in series. When they are connected in series, all current considerations are the same as for one single dice. The total voltage will be approximately n×V_(i) where n=number of dices, and V_(i)=forward voltage for a single dices. If the dices are connected in parallel, the total current will be approximately n×I_(i) and the total voltage approximately that of a single dice. Serial connection works well because it adjusts for differences between the dices. When the dices are connected in series, they automatically adjust their forward voltages and their luminous intensity and/or FDRT become very close. In either arrangement the two dices LED has approximately the luminous intensity and/or FDRT of 1.6×P_(i), where P_(i) is luminous intensity and/or FDRT of a single dice. A three dices LED will likely have the luminous intensity and/or FDRT of about 2.26×P_(i). (Interference between the dices can prevent the luminous intensity and/or FDRT calculation from being a multiplier by the number of dice.) These dices can deliver the same color of light, or they can have different colors of light. For example, a single LED could contain two dices emitting different colors of light, for example a wavelength selected from the range of greater than about 370, 380, 390, 400, 425, 440, 450, 475, 480 and/or less than about 500 nanometers. The dices could also be selected such that the dices emit light of a different wavelength within the same color range; for example the dices could emit light having different wavelengths that result in the color blue. Further, the combination of the different wavelengths of light at the single optical output of the LED (the lens) could result in a specific combination of colors that delivers an oral care benefit. For example, two different compositions can be applied to the teeth, each of which reacts to a different wavelength of light. Additionally, different wavelengths of light may result in different reactions within the oral cavity; one wavelength of light may kill bacteria, another wavelength of light may whiten the teeth. Some colors are difficult to achieve by a single wavelength of light; this invention can be used to produce light of one of these unique colors. Thus the combination of different colors at the single optical output may result in a color that cannot be achieved by one dice alone. Therefore, using different colors could result in one or more oral care benefits that a single wavelength of a single color could not achieve. However, if each individual light emitter emits the same light, the luminous intensity and/or FDRT of that color light from that one single LED is greater than a single standard LED emitting light of one color.

Yet another means for achieving the luminous intensity and/or FDRT of the inventive illuminated electric toothbrush includes providing a non-continuous or pulsing current to the LED which results in pulsed or non-continuous light. This embodiment of the invention comprises a standard LED which provides the desired luminous intensity and/or FDRT level via a pulse forward current greater than about 100 mA, 125 mA, 150 mA, 175 mA, 200 mA, 225 mA, 250 mA, 275 mA, 300 mA, 325 mA, 350 mA, and/or 375 mA and/or less than about 900 mA, 800 mA, 700 mA, 600 mA, 500 mA, 400 mA, 375 mA, 350 mA, 325 mA, 300 mA, 275 mA, 250 mA, 225 mA, 200 mA, 175 mA, 150 mA, 125 mA, and/or 100 mA. In one embodiment the pulsed forward current is greater than about the maximum current rating for pulsed operation and less than about the current causing immediate failure of the LED. The minimum luminous intensity and/or FDRT of the light pulses can be that of continuous light, and the maximum luminous intensity and/or FDRT is Pc/Q where Pc is the luminous intensity and/or FDRT of continuous light and Q is the cycle ratio. The cycle ratio equals the duration of the pulse divided by the time period between pulses. The inventive cycle ratio is from about 0.01, 0.10, 0.25, 0.40, and/or 0.50 to about 0.50, 0.60 0.75, 0.80, and/or 0.99. The frequency of the light pulses can be about 0.01 Hz, 1 Hz, 10 Hz, 100 Hz, 500 Hz, or 1 MHz to about 1 MHz, 10 MHz, 100 MHz, 500 MHz, 1 GHz, or 10 GHz. The current amplitude for the pulsed operation of the LED can go from about I_(maxp) to about 10 I_(maxp), where I_(maxp) is the absolute maximum current rating for pulsed operation, or from about I_(max) to about 20 I_(map), where Imax is the maximum current rating for continuous operation. Pulsing the current to the LED results in a reduction of the LED's power dissipation, and therefore prolonged battery life, as well as an increase in light brightness, and/or luminous intensity and/or FDRT. The improved battery life and increased brightness can vary depending on the properties and design of the LED.

In one embodiment, the illuminated electric toothbrush includes an elongated body portion or handle, a head, and a neck extending between the head and the handle. One or more LEDs are provided on the head, preferably adjacent to, on, and/or in, one or more static or moving bristle holders having a plurality of bristles thereon. The bristles may be formed into one or groups of tufts.

The head includes a longitudinal axis, one or more moving bristle holders and, optionally, one or more static or fixed bristle holders. The moving bristle holders may rotate, swivel, gyrate, oscillate, linearly reciprocate, or undergo any combination of motions. The type of motion provided by the electric toothbrushes of the present invention can be widely varied. The static bristle holders and the arrangement of the static bristles disposed thereon can also be widely varied. For example, the static bristles might partially or wholly circumscribe the moving bristle holders or may be disposed in a gap between the moving bristle holders. Examples of some bristle holder motions and bristle arrangements suitable for use with the present invention are described in US 20030126699; US 20030084525; US 20030084524; US 20030084526; and WO 03/063723; and WO 03/063722. The bristles can be made from conventional non-elastomeric materials, such as polyethylene, or can be made from elastomeric materials such as natural or synthetic rubbers, polyolefins, polyetheramides, polyesters, styrenic polymers, polyurethanes, etc., or a combination of materials.

The handle has a hollow portion with a motor disposed therein that is operatively connected to the moving bristle holders. A motor is operatively connected to the moving bristle holder when some action by the motor results in a response in the moving bristle holder. A shaft may extend from the motor through the neck and into at least a portion of the head. The shaft may rotate, oscillate, linearly reciprocate, gyrate, vibrate or orbit when driven by the motor in order to impart one or more motions to the moving bristle holders. A gearing arrangement can be provided between the motor and the shaft or between the shaft and the moving bristle holders in order to impart motion thereto. Exemplary shaft and/or gearing arrangements are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,360,395 and 5,617,601 as well as in other patents and patent publications referenced herein. The handle also has a power source, such as one or more batteries, disposed therein for powering the motor and the LED. Alternatively, the electric toothbrush may be connected to an external power source for powering the motor. A switch is disposed on the handle for activating the motor and/or LEDs. The LEDs can be energized whenever the motor is activated. However, the toothbrush also can have more than one switch to activate the LEDs and/or the movable bristle holder.

FIG. 3 shows an illuminated electric toothbrush 10 according to the present invention. The electric toothbrush can be used for personal hygiene such as brushing one's teeth and gums. As shown in FIG. 3, the electric toothbrush includes a handle 12 a gripping portion 70, and a neck 14 attached to the handle 12. A head 16 is attached to neck 14. Typically, the head is larger than the neck 14, which is also typically smaller than the handle 12.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the toothbrush 10 comprises head 16, longitudinal axis 19, a handle 12, a neck 14, gripping region 72, switch 52, a moving bristle holder 20 and static bristle holders 22 having bristles 26 disposed thereon. The static bristle holders 22 are located on opposite sides of the moving bristle holder 20. The moving bristle holder 20 is located at the center of the head 16. The moving bristle holder preferably oscillates about an axis approximately normal to the longitudinal axis 19 of the head 16, although other motions may be provided as previously described. As shown in FIG. 5, the handle 12 further includes a hollow portion 30 which houses a motor 32. The motor 32 powers the moving bristle holder 20 through a rotatable shaft 44. A gearing arrangement is operatively interconnected between the shaft 44 and the motor 32. The gearing arrangement includes a worm gear 40 and a pair of step gears 42, 43. The motor 32 is operatively connected to the worm gear 40. Step gear 42 is operatively connected to step gear 43 and the worm gear 40. A LED 75 is provided that is disposed in the interior of the moving bristle holder 20. The LED 75 is mounted or secured to the moving bristle holder 20 so that LED 75 moves with moving bristle holder 20. As shown in FIG. 6, electric power is provided to the LED 75 by the use of a pair of electrical contacts 76 and 77 that slidingly contact dedicated contact portions defined along the underside of the moving bristle holder 20. Electrical wires (not shown) may be provided from the switch and power source to the contacts 76 and 77 for conducting electricity from the power source to the LED. The wires may run from the handle 12 through the neck 14 to the head 16. Preferably, the wires are disposed adjacent the interior wall of the neck 14 so that they do not interfere with the movement of the shaft 44. Alternatively, the wires may be embedded within the neck 14.

It is contemplated that circular electrically conductive contact regions 80 and 82 could be provided along the exterior of the moving bristle holder 20, which regions would be in electrical communication with the pair of fixed contacts 76 and 77 provided within the interior of the head. The electrically conductive contact regions 80 and 82 are insulated from each other by a non-conductive material. Electrical leads 84 and 86 can be provided from the electrically conductive contact regions to the LED. FIG. 4 illustrates the LED 75 disposed on or within the moving bristle holder 20. In this embodiment the LED is fixedly attached to the moving bristle holder 20 and therefore moves with the bristle holder. Preferably the tip of the LED is flush with the top surface 23 of the moving bristle holder 20, although it may extend above the top surface 23 if desired. Additional LEDs can be provided in or on the static bristle holders 22. FIG. 6a shows a stationary LED 75 that is connected to a pillar 91 that is stationary and fixed to the head 95 at 93 of the toothbrush. The moving bristle holder 97 oscillates or rotates around the stationary LED. The positive lead 87 and the negative lead 89 can run from the LED 75 through the pillar 91 and then down the length of the head 95 of the toothbrush to the power source (not shown).

In another embodiment, the LED 75 is disposed within an aperture or hole 88 that extends through the moving bristle holder 320, as best seen in embodiment 300 as shown in FIG. 7, so that the LED is stationary and the moving bristle holder 320 oscillates or rotates about the stationary LED 75. In this embodiment, the LED 75 is fixedly secured to the head 316. The LED 75 might extend partially through the hole 88 or it may be disposed below the lower surface of the moving bristle holder 320 so that it is completely contained within the head 316. The centerline or axis of the LED 75 may also be the axis of rotation or oscillation for the moving bristle holder 320. Neck 314 extends between head 316 and a handle (not shown). The head 316 further comprises static bristles 322.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the LED is disposed in, on, below or directly adjacent the moving and/or static bristle holders so that the light is directed onto the brushing area as efficiently as possible. Further, the LEDs are preferably arranged so that the principle direction of light emission is generally perpendicular to the top surface of the bristle holders and/or generally parallel to the direction of the bristles of the bristle holder. In other words, the LED is preferably arranged so that the centerline 90 of the LED is generally perpendicular to the top surface of the head and/or bristle holder, as best seen in FIG. 6. The centerline 90 typically passes through the lens 92 or aperture of the LED. When the LED is disposed within, on, or below a moving and/or static bristle holder, a cylindrical region or volume about the centerline 90 of the LED can be substantially devoid of bristles. The area substantially devoid of bristles can be larger and/or smaller depending on the size of the head of the toothbrush, and/or the number of bristles removed in the area surrounding the LED. The area substantially devoid of bristles can be greater than about 0.55, 0.60, 0.63, 0.64, 0.66, 0.68, 0.70, 0.72, 0.74, 0.76, 0.80, 0.85, 0.90 and/or 1.0 cm, and/or less than about 2.0, 1.5, 1.4, 1.3, 1.25, 1.20, 1.15, 1.10, 1.05 and/or 1.0 cm. The moving bristle holder still, however, preferably has at least one ring of bristles that encircle the LED, as shown by way of example in FIG. 7. Additional bristle tufts or an inner ring of bristle tufts might, however, be provided.

Referring again to FIG. 5, a switch 50 is provided to control operation of the illuminated electric toothbrush and is operatively connected to the motor 32. The switch 50 is also configured to operate the one or more LEDs of the toothbrush. Such operation is preferably momentary or continuous. When the switch 50 is closed, a circuit comprising wire 54 is completed between a standard battery 60 provided within the hollow portion 30 of the handle 12 and the motor and LED 75.

In embodiment of the toothbrush 400 the LED 75 can be placed on the head 416 so that it is between static bristle holder(s) 422 and movable bristle holder 420 and not aligned with an axis of rotation/oscillation of a moving bristle holder, as shown by way of example in FIG. 8 wherein the bristles have been deleted for clarity. Head 416 is connected to handle (not shown) by neck 414.

FIGS. 9-12 illustrate other head, bristle holder and bristle configurations for illuminated electric toothbrushes, all of which contain one or more LEDs. FIG. 9 illustrates a head 516 and a neck 514. It will be appreciated that the neck 514 extends between the head 516 and a handle of the toothbrush (not shown). Disposed on the head 516 is a single moving bristle holder 520 having a plurality of bristles tufts 532 disposed thereon. Disposed on a second bristle holder 522 is a LED 575. FIG. 10 depicts another head 616 in accordance with the present invention having a plurality of bristles 632 disposed thereon. The head 616 comprises a single bristle holder 620 having LED 675 disposed therein. Neck 614 extends between head 616 and handle (not shown). FIG. 11 depicts yet another head 716 having a single bristle holder 720 having bristles 732 disposed thereon. A LED 775 is disposed adjacent the bristle holder 720 on the head 716. The LED 775, however, is not disposed on bristle holder. FIG. 12 depicts still another head 816 having a first bristle holder 820 that moves and a second bristle holder 822 that is fixed or stationary. Both bristle holders have LEDs 875 disposed thereon. The first bristle holder 820 has a plurality of bristle tufts 832 that encircle the LED 875 disposed thereon, and the second bristle holder 822 has a plurality of bristle tufts 834 that encircle the LED 875 disposed thereon. Neck 814 extends between head 816 and a handle (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 13, an embodiment of the illuminated electric toothbrush 1010 having a head 1016, neck 1014, and a handle 1012. Disposed on the head 1016 is LED 1075. The neck and handle are releasably connected at 1015 and contain corresponding structures for their physical engagement and for establishing electrical communication between the LED and the power source. Referring now to FIGS. 14 and 15, the head 1016 further includes a moving bristle holder 1020 and a static bristle holder 1022. Disposed on the static bristle holder 1022 is a LED 1075.

The neck 1017 separates from the handle 1012 at joint 1015. The neck 1017 has two small pins or projections 1036 [in phantom] located inside the neck end portion 1032. The small projections are dimensioned to fit into L-shaped slots 1042 found on a mating end portion 1040 of the handle 1012. The width of the L-shaped slots 1042 is slightly wider than the width of the small projections to enable the L-shaped slots to receive the small projections. The depth of the L-shaped slots is substantially equal to the height of the small projections so that the L-shaped slots can receive the small projections.

To connect the head and neck to the handle, the user aligns the small projections with a top surface 1044 of the L-shaped slots. The user pushes or presses the head 1016 down so that the small projections contact a bottom surface 1046 of the L-shaped slots 1042. When the small projections have contacted the bottom surface 1046 of the L-shaped slots, the user then turns the head 1016 and/or the neck 1017 approximately 90 degrees with respect to the handle 1012 locking the head into place, as seen in FIGS. 14 and 15. A top surface of each of the projections becomes locked under a top surface of each of the L-shaped slots 1042. The user thus exerts a press-and-twist action on the cooperating pins and guide slots to put the head into a fully attached disposition on the handle and realize a locking engagement between the two.

One or more electrical contacts are provided along the mating region of the neck and the handle to provide a releasable electrical connection there between.

FIG. 16 illustrates a schematic of an electrical configuration for the present invention. In this configuration, the LED 75 and the motor 32 are powered or activated concurrently with one another by switch 50 and power source 60. Due to the fact that an LED is included and the power provided by the battery may exceed that which is desired for the LED, it may be desirable to include a standard voltage or current driver 94 which can provide a constant voltage or current output to the LED despite changes to the input voltage or current, especially as the voltage or current output from a battery tends to decrease over time. While the schematic shown in FIG. 16 is one embodiment, other configurations can be provided. For example, separate switches might be provided to separately activate the LED and the motor. More than one LED might be provided. LEDs having different spectral, photometric, radiometric, and calorimetric characteristics (e.g., different dominant wavelengths, peak wavelengths, radiometric power, etc.) might be provided to accommodate multiple uses in a single electric toothbrush. This can also be accomplished using an LED having multiple dices (as shown in FIG. 2).

FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate spectral distributions for various colors of commercially available LED light emitting unit used in the electric toothbrushes described herein. These spectral distribution graphs are for Luxeon™ 1—watt emitter LEDs, however these distribution patterns may be achieved with other light emitting units. Specifically, FIG. 17 is a graph of the relative spectral power distribution for various colors of LEDs. FIG. 17 illustrates the colors of royal blue, blue, cyan, green, amber, red-orange, and red. FIG. 18 is the relative spectral power distribution for a white color LED.

For tooth bleaching as well as other applications, it is often desirable to utilize a LED that provides a generally or substantially uniform distribution of radiometric power so that each tooth receives about the same of amount of radiometric power over the tooth surface. Therefore, embodiments of the inventive toothbrush comprise light radiation patterns having lamberertian or bell-shaped patterns, such as shown by way of example in FIG. 19. Other radiation patterns, such as the bat-wing pattern may also be utilized. As discussed above, however, the LED may provide a wide variety of light radiation patterns in accordance with the present invention.

The bristles of the bristle holders can be arranged to minimally interfere with the light emitted from the LED. Bristles can have a height of at least about 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9 and/or 1.0 cm, and/or less than about 2.0, 1.5, 1.4, 1.3, 1.2, 1.1, and/or 1.0 cm. However, it is contemplated that the toothbrushes of the present invention may utilize bristle arrangements or materials that interact with the light emitted from the LED. For example, bristles and/or the top surface of the bristle holder located immediately adjacent the LED could include a reflective coating, such as nickel or chrome, to assist with directing light away from the head and toward the tooth surfaces. Alternately, bristles near the LED could be formed from a transparent or translucent material to further promote the transmission of light to the brushing area. The bristles might also be colored, pigmented, or dyed to generally match the color of the light emitted by the LED. In this way, the bristle would not absorb, but reflect, the light emitted by the LED. In addition, the use of a reflective shield that assists with directing light toward the tooth or gum surfaces which is placed around or near the LED might be utilized.

As previously noted herein, the embodiment toothbrushes with LED may be used in conjunction with a whitening composition for whitening teeth, and in particular, for enhancing or accelerating the whitening function of the composition by irradiating the brushing region either prior to, during, or after application of the whitening composition. A kit can be provided comprising the illuminated electric toothbrush, and a composition comprising peroxide.

Color in organic compounds is usually attributed to chromophores, which are unsaturated groups that can undergo π electronic transitions. Light can activate stain chromophores (undergo electronic transition), and reduce activation energy barrier making them more susceptible to attack by bleaching. In other words, activation of color bodies via light may enhance peroxide bleaching. Similarly, stain chromophores become more susceptible to abrasive whitening because of light treatment which results in faster and better whitening. Bleaching agents penetrate into the pores in enamel and dentin, and, therefore, both extrinsic and intrinsic color stains can be degraded and removed.

A wide variety of tooth whitening compositions may be used in combination with the electric toothbrushes described herein. The tooth whitening compositions may contain a bleaching agent, an abrasive agent, pH modifiers or any other agent that acts upon the chromophores of the teeth by mechanical or chemical action or a combination thereof. The tooth whitening composition can be provided in the form of a solution, paste, gel, viscous liquid, solid, or other suitable form. Illustrative bleaching agents include an oxygen radical or hydrogen radical-generating compound such as metal ion free peroxides, organic peroxides, and metal ion containing peroxides. Specific, non-limiting examples of bleaching agents include peroxides, metal chlorites, perborates, percarbonates, peroxyacids, persulfates, compounds that form the preceding compounds in situ, and combinations thereof. Suitable peroxide compounds include hydrogen peroxide, urea peroxide, calcium peroxide, carbamide peroxide, and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment the bleaching agent is carbamide peroxide. Suitable metal chlorites include calcium chlorite, barium chlorite, magnesium chlorite, lithium chlorite, sodium chlorite, potassium chlorite, and mixtures thereof. Additional bleaching agents also include hypochlorite and chlorine dioxide. In one embodiment the bleaching agent is selected from sodium chlorite, peroxide, sodium percarbonate, oxones, and mixtures thereof. The starting bleaching agent can be aqueous or solid material.

The amount of bleaching agent in the whitening or bleaching composition may vary. For example, the bleaching agent could be present in an amount of about 0.5 to about 60 weight percent, based on the total amount of the tooth whitening composition. If hydrogen peroxide is the bleaching agent, according to one particular embodiment, it may be present in about 0.5 to about 40 weight percent, especially about 7 to about 15 weight percent, based on the total amount of the tooth whitening composition. If carbamide peroxide is the bleaching agent, according to one particular embodiment, it may be present in about 10 to about 60 weight percent, based on the total amount of tooth whitening composition. Typically, the radiant energy from the LED is applied while the composition is in contact with the tooth, however, may be applied prior to or after application of the tooth whitening composition.

The illuminated electric toothbrush can be packaged as a kit one or more replaceable heads containing a LED. Although the handle is discussed as preferably battery powered, the invention also includes other well known power supplies such as corded for outlet connection or rechargeable batteries and an associated brush holder/charger (not shown).

As discussed above, the various embodiments of the illuminated electric toothbrush may be used in combination with a whitening composition. A representative method of whitening teeth is as follows. After obtaining the illuminated toothbrush and composition, the composition is applied to the dental surface, i.e. teeth, to be whitened. Preferably, such application is performed by depositing an effective amount of the composition on the bristle holder of the toothbrush, and then applying the composition to the desired surfaces to be whitened. Generally, this latter step is performed in like fashion as brushing one's teeth. Alternatively, the tooth whitening composition might be brushed, painted, or applied to the teeth with an applicator strip. The light emitting unit of the toothbrush is then activated and the light emitted there from is directed to the applied composition. It will be understood that the various whitening techniques of the present invention include variant strategies in which the light is directed to the dental surface before, during, and after application of the composition to the dental surface. Preferably, a brushing operation is then performed while the light continues to irradiate the composition applied to the dental surface of interest.

This whitening process is merely exemplary. The present invention includes a wide array of whitening techniques. Additionally, it is contemplated that a conventional brushing operation may be performed prior to, during, or subsequent to a whitening operation.

The present invention has been described with reference to multiple embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of this specification. For example, any number of bristle holders and bristle patterns can be utilized with the present invention along with one more LED. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm.”

All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the Invention are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present invention. To the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention. 

1. A toothbrush having a handle, a neck attached to the handle, and a head attached to the neck, the toothbrush comprising: a bristle holder having a plurality of bristles extending therefrom; and a light emitting element disposed in the bristle holder, wherein the light emitting element is capable of providing light having wavelengths between about 390 nm to about 770 nm and having a radiometric power of between about 5 mW/cm² to about 200 mW/cm².
 2. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the light emitting element is an LED.
 3. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the light emitting element is capable of providing blue light.
 4. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the light emitting element is capable of providing light having wavelengths between about 420 nm to about 490 nm.
 5. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the light emitting element is capable of providing light having wavelengths between about 430 nm to about 480 nm.
 6. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the head is made of a transparent material.
 7. The toothbrush of claim 6, wherein the bristle holder is made of a transparent material.
 8. The toothbrush of claim 2, further comprising a voltage driver or a current driver capable of providing a constant voltage or a constant current to the LED, respectively.
 9. The toothbrush of claim 2 further comprising a DC power supply capable of providing between about 0.5 to about 5 volts to the LED.
 10. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the bristles surround the light emitting element.
 11. The toothbrush of claim 10, wherein a cylindrical volume devoid of bristles encircles the light emitting element, and wherein a diameter of the cylindrical volume is between about 2 mm to about 8 mm.
 12. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein a portion of the plurality of bristles are formed from a translucent material.
 13. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein a portion of the plurality of bristles are colored, pigmented, or dyed, such that the portion of the plurality of bristles generally match the color of the light emitted by the light emitting element.
 14. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein a portion of the plurality of bristles are formed from an elastomeric material.
 15. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the radiometric power of the light emitting element is between about 10 mW/cm² to about 100 mW/cm².
 16. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the radiometric power of the light emitting element is between about 20 mW/cm² to about 60 mW/cm².
 17. A method of applying light to the oral cavity, the method comprising the steps of: obtaining a toothbrush having a light emitting element; switching the toothbrush on; and applying light having wavelengths of between about 420 nm to about 490 nm having a radiometric intensity of between about 5 mW/cm² to about 200 mW/cm² to the oral cavity for about 10 seconds to about 10 minutes.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the light is applied to the oral cavity from about 30 seconds to about 2 minutes.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the light is applied to the oral cavity from about 45 seconds to about 2 minutes.
 20. The toothbrush of claim 17, wherein the radiometric power of the light emitting element is between about 10 mW/cm² to about 100 mW/cm².
 21. The toothbrush of claim 17, wherein the radiometric power of the light emitting element is between about 20 mW/cm² to about 60 mW/cm². 